Phenotypic Characterization of Two Snail Breeds <i>Archachatina marginata</i>(S) and <i>Archachatina fulica</i>(L) in Calabar, Cross River State
Abstract
Phenotypic qualities of two snail species commonly found in Calabar, Cross River State were studied. The snail species studied for comparing the differences and relationships between their phenotypic traits were Achachatina marginata(S) and Achatina fulica(L). A total of 100 snails were obtained and selected based on the presence of four whorls shells and used for the study. Parameters studied included body weight, body length, body width, shell mouth length and shell mouth width. Data collected were analyzed to obtain simple statistical values and phenotypic correlations between the two species. Data were also subjected to regression model for body weight predictions. Mean(X) body weights recorded were 135.250g and 137.554g for A. marginata and A. fulica, respectively. Only T-test results for body weight and shell mouth width were significantly(P<0.05) different; high, medium and low positive phenotypic correlations were observed between parameters measured. The highest positive, strong and closely related response(R=0.722) between width and body length was recorded by A. marginata. Results of this study could be harnessed for the characterization of snail species in Calabar for breeding purposes.
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